Aberystwyth Arts Centre has reopened to the public for the first time since 17 March 2020.

The arts centre closed its doors because of the escalating coronavirus crisis, and a phased reopening planned for last autumn had to be abandoned due to flood damage.

But on Monday staff were on hand to welcome people back to the venue.

The first visitors, Jenny and Zofia McGlynn, said the venue was looking “very nice”.

Welcoming them, arts centre director Dafydd Rhys said: “It’s wonderful to welcome visitors back after such a long time.

“We are opening with Oriel Lockdown, one of the biggest exhibitions we’ve ever curated with works of art by professional artists and the community, all over the arts centre. I highly recommend that you visit this exhibition which is an inspiring response to the Covid lockdown. It’s a slightly different experience with Covid protocols to keep you safe, but you’ll still receive a warm welcome.”

Gallery assistant, Carol Bainbridge, said of the cinema’s reopening: “It was wonderful to see a screen again. I burst into tears. I’m so glad to get back to the magic of cinema. It’s like coming home!”

Commenting on Oriel Lockdown, she added: “It’s been inspiring to see a variety of work and of exhibitors from amateurs to professionals and including those who’ve never created art before. This is a wonderful response to the lockdown.”

Despite the building being closed for over a year, the arts centre has continued to offer some things online including virtual cinema screenings, online film festivals, digital dance classes and online arts quizzes.

Two artists were awarded studio spaces in the Heatherwick Studios, and up-and-coming artists were able to receive tutorials with leading contemporary artists Bedwyr Williams, Ingrid Murphy, Angharad Pearce Jones and Suzie Larke.

Over the past few months, a number of improvements have been made to the building, including the installation of new flooring, the refurbishment of the box office, and the installation of a new projector in the theatre.

The arts centre has also improved its digital networks and upgraded to an electronic ticketing system.

Dance classes returned to in-person teaching on 14 June, followed by Stage School on 19 June, before reopening to the public yesterday (21 June).

Dafydd added: “A full cinema programme of the latest releases has been planned and will be shown in the theatre, with social distancing in place. “In our galleries, and indeed throughout the building, our Oriel Lockdown exhibition will feature works that have been created in, or reflect on, the pandemic.

“Over the summer holidays we will host a wide range of activities for children as well as weekend masterclasses for adults.

“We will also be offering a programme of outdoor summer events on Chapel Court, including theatre, music, and family events.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and staff is paramount, and we have procedures to allow us to reopen safely and inspire confidence in our customers.”